Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
If there’s one dessert that truly captures the spirit of fall in a single bite, it’s Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler. Imagine tender pumpkin-spiced cake, a gooey caramel sauce that magically forms underneath as it bakes, and a crown of golden pecans for crunch. This dessert brings together everything you love about pumpkin pie, cobbler, and sticky toffee pudding into one enchanting treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just a cozy weeknight, this dish is sure to become a new comfort classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is just how straightforward the ingredients list is, but don’t be fooled—each one punches well above its weight in flavor. It’s a harmonious blend of pantry staples and seasonal stars that make for a dessert you’ll want to revisit all autumn long.
- All Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the cobbler its tender, cake-like texture.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the cobbler rises just enough to be soft and luscious.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the complexity of all the other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the caramel sauce underneath.
- Cinnamon: Delivers warmth and that quintessential autumn aroma.
- Nutmeg: Lends a subtle nuttiness that plays beautifully with pumpkin.
- Cloves: A small amount adds depth and spiciness to the flavors.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of this cobbler—a must for that unmistakable color and flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture for a rich, satisfying texture.
- Melted Butter or Vegetable Oil: Brings richness and helps form the cobbler’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla: Sweetens and rounds out the spice mix for a bakery-level finish.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramel notes in both the cake and sauce layers.
- Chopped Pecans: Add crunch and a nutty contrast that perfectly pairs with pumpkin.
- Very Hot Water: Creates the self-saucing effect—don’t skip this magic-maker!
How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. It’s worth the short wait to make sure the cobbler bakes evenly and rises just right. Grab a small (8-inch) casserole dish with high sides—it helps prevent any glorious caramel bubbling over during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This initial mix ensures every bite of your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is perfectly spiced, so whisk until everything looks even and fragrant.
Step 3: Blend the Pumpkin Mixture
In a small separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla. Mixing them separately helps avoid overworking the batter and keeps the cobbler light and tender. Pour this vibrant orange mixture over your dry ingredients and gently fold everything together until just combined—the batter will be thick and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 4: Assemble in the Dish
Spread the spicy, pumpkiny batter into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. This will be the cozy, spongy cake layer of your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, ready to soak up all the gilded caramel magic.
Step 5: Create the Sugar-Pecan Topping
In another bowl, stir together both the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the chopped pecans. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot—this becomes the sweet, nutty crust and a luscious sauce underneath. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter, making sure every spot gets some nutty-sugary love.
Step 6: Add Hot Water—Don’t Stir!
Now for the fun part! Gently pour the very hot water over the whole dish. It might look strange (and a little wrong!), but resist the urge to stir. The hot water works its magic to form that dreamy caramel sauce under the cake while baking. It’s the secret sauce behind every Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Position your cobbler (in its dish) on a baking sheet, just in case it bubbles a bit. Let it bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is just set—a slight jiggle is perfectly fine. Once out of the oven, let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken up just a bit and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
Garnishes
This cobbler absolutely shines with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess melts into rivers of pumpkin sauce and pools around the caramel-soaked cake. Extra toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top push it right over the top.
Side Dishes
While Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler can certainly stand alone, it pairs beautifully with cinnamon whipped cream, or even a cup of strong, dark coffee or chai tea. Add fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears on the side for contrast and a burst of color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it warm in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or layer leftovers into parfait glasses with whipped cream for a playful trifle. A drizzle of maple syrup over each serving adds another delicious nod to fall flavors and wows guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish well with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler will keep beautifully for up to three days, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
Freezing
This dessert actually freezes surprisingly well. Let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop single servings (or the entire cobbler) into a 350 degree oven until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick snacks, but the oven keeps the topping crisp and the sauce nice and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just be sure to roast, mash, and drain the fresh pumpkin to match the thickness of canned puree. Your Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler will have an even more pronounced pumpkin flavor.
What’s the best way to get perfectly hot water?
Boil water in a kettle just before you’re ready to pour it; this helps create the essential caramel sauce as the cobbler bakes. The hotter the water, the better the self-saucing magic!
Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for all purpose flour. The cake layer will still turn out tender and delicious.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
You don’t have to, but toasting the pecans adds extra depth and crunch. Just pop them in the oven for 5 minutes while it preheats, then cool before chopping for the topping.
Will the sugar-pecan layer sink to the bottom?
Don’t worry, the layered technique ensures your sugar and pecan mixture forms a delicious crust on top and helps create the signature caramel sauce underneath—just don’t stir after you add the hot water!
Final Thoughts
Bake up a dish of Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler just once and you’ll understand why it has a way of inspiring autumn joy long after the last leaves have fallen. There’s nothing quite like that cozy combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pecans swirled together with a molten caramel sauce. So go ahead, give it a try—your tastebuds (and your friends!) will thank you.
Print
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and comforting Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler that combines warm, spiced pumpkin flavors with a crunchy pecan topping, served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together pumpkin, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Spread this mixture evenly over the batter.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to form a thick batter. Transfer the batter to an 8-inch casserole dish with high sides.
Pour very hot water over the entire dish without stirring. Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Allow the cobbler to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with additional pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the cobbler before serving.
- This cobbler is best enjoyed warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, Fall Dessert, Comforting Dessert Recipe
